13 Outdoor Patio Heaters You’ll Want in Your Backyard

Get a little more use out of your patio or porch this year with one (or more!) of these outdoor patio heaters. Outdoor patio heaters are an effective way to bring a little more warmth to your outdoor living space. Just remember to follow all safety instructions included with the heater. When purchasing an outdoor heater, make sure it will be powerful enough to heat your space. Outdoor patio heaters that run on propane have a BTU number, used to measure thermal (heat) energy. You’ll need to know the number of square feet you want to heat. According to homeair.org, you can calculate the number of BTUs you need with this formula: The area in square feet x (current temperature in Fahrenheit – desired temperature) = the minimum BTUs you should have. For electric heaters, the heating power is measured in watts. One watt of electricity produces 3.4 BTUs, so 10 watts of power equals 34 BTUs. (Yes, there’s math involved, but it’s easy!) Once you figure out how much power you need, here are 13 outdoor patio heaters to consider.

Hiland Electric Umbrella Heater

A great option for evenings around the patio table, this electric umbrella heater from Hiland warms up to 15 square feet and is designed to work under patio umbrellas. With three burners and a variable temperature control, it’s a great way to stay warm once the sun sets. Buyers noted it was easy to install and remove when you need to put the umbrella away. Yet another reason why we think this is one of the best outdoor patio heaters. These 15 ideas for outdoor string lights will make you want to live outside.

Fire Sense Propane Heater

This propane patio heater from Fire Sense comes in several colors and offers 46,000 BTUs. It has an auto shut-off tilt valve and can be assembled for you by an expert for an additional fee. While this is advertised as a commercial heater, many homeowners use it to heat patios and porches. “My husband and I purchased two of these, but so far we’ve only needed to turn on one, even though we have a relatively large backyard. These lamps are very sufficient with heat output. My husband assembled them alone, without any issues. He said the assembly was simple,” said one buyer. Check out these 15 perfect patio designs.

Sunjoy Propane Heater

Great for those who may want to move the heater from one spot to another, this propane heater from Sunjoy has wheels for easy transport and mobility. It heats an area with a radius of 9.5 feet and has a safety shutoff valve in case the heater tips over. “The heater feels very sturdy and well-made. We can’t wait to enjoy those cool California nights out on the patio this winter,” said one buyer. These are the 10 best patio ideas for small spaces.

Thermo Tiki Propane Heater

Stylish, efficient and great for your next patio party, this tiki propane heater from Thermo has a dancing flame in a pyramid-style column which produces radiant warmth. It has an output of up to 45,000 BTUs and has a built-in safety valve if the unit is tilted or tipped over. Reviewers noted instructions were easy to follow. Create a backyard oasis with these DIY projects.

SUND Electric Heater

With three power levels, this electric heater from SUND is great for barbecue areas, patios, gardens and garages. “It is very nice outdoor heater and it perfectly works very well for the parties at my backyard in winter,” said one buyer. Partial assembly is required and the heater uses three halogen fire tubes with a lifespan of 5,000 to 5,500 hours. Build a stone or brick patio that is perfect for entertaining.

AmazonBasics Propane Heater

Although it is described as a commercial heater, this propane patio heater has many reviewers who note they use it at home with much success. “This is a great product. Inexpensive, easy (and actually kinda fun) to assemble, and it works better than products that cost many times more,” said one buyer. With 46,000 BTUs, it can heat up larger spaces and has wheels for easy mobility. This is what you need to build a DIY backyard movie theater.

Blumfeldt Radiant Heater

With a 24-hour timer, three heating levels and 1,500 watts of power, this radiant heater from Blumfeldt can be used out on the patio or porch, or inside, when needed. It’s safe, user-friendly and compact so you can easily move it from room to room. “We have it outside in our screened in porch and it does a great job with putting out some heat. Level 3 actually is a bit too strong, had to turn it to level 2. The heat can be felt from several feet away. Looks nice as well. Really does not take up a lot of room. The animals seem to enjoy the heat as well,” said one reviewer. Plan the ultimate backyard barbecue with these 12 tips.